FAQ – Language school

General

What are the opening hours of Sprachenatelier Berlin?

At this time, Sprachenatelier is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

How do I get to Sprachenatelier Berlin?

Address: Frankfurter Allee 40, 10247 Berlin-Friedrichshain

You can easily get to Sprachenatelier on the U-Bahn Line 5 ("Samariterstraße" station), on the S-Bahn/Ringbahn ("Frankfurter Allee" station) or with the Metro Tram 10/Tram 21 ("Frankfurter Tor" station).

Where do the language courses take place?

The language courses take place at Frankfurter Allee 40. Sprachenatelier Berlin spans two floors of the front house. The office with our reception is on the third floor.

We also offer online courses in the form of "Livestream Teaching". For online courses you should have a stable internet connection, a speaker or headphones, and a microphone.

What languages does the team at Sprachenatelier speak?

Our team primarily speaks German and English. Some members of our office team can also speak additonal languages.

Is Sprachenatelier Berlin open during vacations/holidays?

The school closes for two weeks (this year, from 21 December 2024 to 5 January 2025) over the course of Christmas and New Year‘s Day. There are also no courses over the weekend and on public holidays.

Is Sprachenatelier Berlin officially recognized?

Yes, Sprachenatelier Berlin is officially recognized by the Berlin Senate Administration (Berliner Senatsverwaltung), CSN Sweden and ANSA Norway. We are also a member of fadaf (Fachverband für Deutsch als Fremdsprache). Our foreign language and German courses can be taken as part of a professional leave of absence (Bildungszeit). Sprachenatelier Berlin is also a licensed test center for telc exams, CnaVT, TCF and Swedex.

Does Sprachenatelier Berlin work together with local authorities (e.g. Jobcenter, BAMF)?

Sprachenatelier Berlin does not work with the Jobcenter or Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit), nor with the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF - Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge). We do not offer integration courses for immigrants. Our German courses are privately financed and participants usually do not receive financial assistance.

What sets Sprachenatelier Berlin apart from other language schools?

Our focus on languages, art and culture! Alongside our many language courses, we also offer Creative/Art Courses and Specialty Courses for our participants.

German Courses

How many participants are in a German course?

Our Online & on-site German courses have 6-14 participants.

How long is German course lesson unit?

One lesson hour (Unterrichtsstunde) is 45 minutes long.

How old are the German course participants at Sprachenatelier?

The majority of our German course participants are between 20 and 30 years old, though we also have younger and older participants. Our minimum age for participation is 18 (exceptions are possible on a case by case basis. Because we do not assume responsibility for minors, we require written permission from the parents.)

How long does one language level take with the German courses?

In our German intensive courses, language levels A1 and A2 take approximately 10-12 weeks, which is about 150-180 lesson hours. Language levels B1 and B2 take slightly longer (at least 12-16 weeks, approximately 180-240 lesson hours). In our German evening courses language level A1 takes between 20 and 24 weeks, A2 takes about 28 weeks and B1 takes about 32 weeks. The higher levels take progressively slightly longer.

What language are the German courses taught in?

In German. Yes, even the beginner courses. :)

When can I start a German course?

Information on when you can start a German course is in the online registration. Start dates vary based on courses and availability.

I am registered for a German course, but I need to postpone the start date. Is that possible?

Yes, if you let us know in advance before the course begins. (There is a fee of 30 euros.)

How do I find the right German course for my language level?

If you already have previous knowledge of German, we ask that you take our placement exam composed of a written part and a short interview. This allows us to identify the right level for you. You can also take the test online. Here is the link.

Do I need an appointment to take the German placement test?

No, just take the test online! After registering on our website, you will automatically receive a link to our free placement test. Here is the link. This is the quickest way to start your German course. If you don't have the technical facilities for an online test, then come by the office during our opening hours.

Can I switch the German course if I feel like I was placed in the wrong level?

We do are best to accurately place you based on the placement test. However, if you still think that you are in the wrong level, please speak to your teacher first. Then, we will work together to find a solution and the appropriate course for you.

Can I take a trial lesson before signing up for a course?

Trial lessons are only possible with prior arrangement. Trial lessons are available every Monday in our German Intensive courses. The trial lesson costs 14 euros. Upon request, you can also do a trial lesson for an evening course.

Do I receive an official certificate upon completion of the German course?

At the end of the language course you will receive a certificate of completion from Sprachenatelier Berlin. The certificiate states the duration of your participation in the course and your final language level. If you need an official language certificate, you can register for a telc examination. You can visit our office for more information or e-mail us: office@sprachenatelier-berlin.de

What other certificates can I receive for completing a German course?

Upon request, Sprachenatelier Berlin can issue a Certificate of Study (Studienbescheinigung) or a Confirmation of Registration (Anmeldebestätigung). With a Studienbescheinigung you can get reduced entry to museums, movie theaters and theaters. You need an Anmeldebescheinigung if you want to extend your visa in Berlin at the Landesamt für Einwanderung (Immigration Office).

What qualifications do the German teachers have?

Our teachers are native speakers with university degrees and multiple years of work experience in adult education.

What textbooks and teaching materials does Sprachenatelier Berlin use in its German courses?

All evening courses at Sprachenatelier Berlin use the textbooks "Spektrum" or "Erkundungen" (Schubert), based on language level. Our German intensive courses use the textbooks "Panorama" (Cornelsen), Weitblick (Cornelsen) and "Aspekte neu" (Klett).

What is included in the cost of the German course and registration fee?

Included in the price are our own teaching materials in the form of photocopies, the culture and afternoon programme (with the exception of entrance fees), Certificates of Study (Studienbescheinigung), Confirmation of Registration (Anmeldebecheinigung), placement test and a certificate of completion.

In our German courses we use textbooks that need to be additonally purchased. You may buy the books before the course at our school. It's usually around 20 Euro.

What payment methods does Sprachenatelier Berlin accept?

You can pay online by bank transfer or via PayPal, or you can pay in person with cash or card.

If I have taken a course at Sprachenatelier before, do I need to pay the registration fee again?

No.

German Examinations

What does "telc" mean?

The telc gGmbH offers language tests and is located in Frankfurt am Main. telc stands for "The European Language Certificates."

Are telc exminations recognized?

telc German certificates are recognized in all German speaking countries for a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel). Internationally, telc certificates are recognized by companies, government agencies, schools and universities.

Which telc examinations can I take at Sprachenatelier Berlin?

You can take the following written and oral exams in Sprachenatelier Berlin between the language levels of A1 and C2:

telc Deutsch A1 / Start Deutsch 1
telc Deutsch A2 / Start Deutsch 2
telc Deutsch B1
telc Deutsch B1-B2 Pflege (Nursing)
telc Deutsch B2-C1 Medezin (Medecine)
telc Deutsch C1
telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule (University)
telc Deutsch C2

How much do telc examinations cost?

The cost of the exam varies based on the level. Write us an e-mail if your are interested in a specific exam.

How can I register for a telc Exam at Sprachenatelier Berlin?

You can register on-site or per e-mail (Attention! An e-mail request is not a binding registration. Your spot will only be reserved once the exam fee has been received and the reservation has been confirmed by us.)

Is there a registration deadline?

Yes, you can find all registration deadlines for exam dates here.

How long will it take to get my results?

telc usually needs between 4 to 6 weeks to correct the exams and send us the results.

telc guarantees, however, that the Deutsch C1 Hochschule examination will be evaluated within 2-3 weeks.

Why are two test dates listed for some examinations?

For some tests, the written and oral portions of the exam take place on two different days. For levels A1 and A2, all parts of the exam take place on the same day.

I am registered for an examination but I cannot take it. Can I cancel or postpone the exam?

No.

What should I do if I lost my telc certificate?

Please contact telc directly: www.telc.net

Foreign Languages

How many participants are in a foreign language course?

Our regular groups have 5-9 participants.
Our mini-groups have 3-5 participants.
For our online courses there are regular groups and mini-groups, depending on language and availability.

How long is a lesson unit for foreign language courses?

A lesson unit is 45 minutes long.

How long is an evening course for foreign languages?

A foreign language evening course is 12 weeks longs and takes place once per week. Every lesson is made up of 2 lesson units (2 x 45 min.) The entire course is therefore 24 lesson units.

How old are the participants in the foreign language courses at Sprachenatelier?

The age of course participants varies based on language and course. Our minimum age for participation is 18 (exceptions are possible on a case by case basis. Because we do not assume responsibility for minors, we require written permission from the parents.)

How long does one language level take in the foreign language courses?

The duration of one language level in the foreign language courses varies a lot based on language, course offerings and it varies so much between individuals, that we cannot give an overall answer.
For most foreign language courses there are 2-3 sublevels per language level in the evening courses. A1, for example, is split up into A1.1, A1.2 and A1.3. In this case it would take 36 weeks (3 x 12 weeks), to complete the entire A1 level.
The higher levels (B1, B2 and C1) can take slightly longer.

In what language are the foreign language courses taught?

In German and the target language.

When can I start with a foreign language course?

The foreign language courses start to different times. On our website under registration you can find an overview of the start and duration of courses for each language.

Can I join a course that has already started?

Joining a course that has already started is possible in individual cases with previous experience and prior agreement.

Can I continue learning when my foreign language evening course is over?

After every course we offer a continuing course, so you can continue to learn. The course will take place when enough people have registered for it.

I am registered for a foreign language course, but I need to postpone my startdate. Is that possible?

No.

How do I find the right foreign language course level for my language abilities?

If you already have previous knowledge of a language, we ask that you take a placement exam. This allows us to identify your language level and find a fitting course for you. Depending on language, the placement exam is either a written or oral test.
You can find an overview of the foreign language placement exams here.

Do I need an appointment to take the foreign language placement exam?

You can take the written test online at any time. For the oral placement exam, you need an appointment, which you can make per e-mail.

Can I switch foreign language courses if I feel like I was placed in the wrong level?

We do are best to accurately place you based on the placement exam. However, if you still think that you are in the wrong level, please speak to your teacher first. Then, we will work together to find a solution and the appropriate course for you.

Can I take a trial lesson before signing up for a course?

Trial lessons are only possible with prior arrangement. Trial lessons cost 14 euro. If you sign up for the course after your trial lesson, the cost of the trial lesson will be deducted from the total price.

Will I receive an official certificate at the end of the foreign language course?

At the end of the course you can receive a certificate of completion from Sprachenatelier Berlin, upon request.

What qualifications do your foreign language instructors have?

Our instructors are all native speakers with university degrees and multiple years of work experience in adult education.

What textbooks and teaching materials does Sprachenatelier Berlin use in its foreign language courses?

Every language uses its own textbooks and teaching materials. These will be made known at the beginning of the course, and may need to be additionally purchased.

What is included in the price of the foreign language course?

The price includes teaching materials that instructors create and distribute in the form of photocopies, the placement exam and a certificate of completion (upon request).

What payment methods does Sprachenatelier Berlin accept?

You can pay online per bank transfer or PayPal, or you can pay in person with cash or card.

Do I need to pay a registration fee for foreign language courses?

No

Service

What do I need if I want to study at a German university after completing my language course?

If you have already started studying at a university in your home country (for at least one year), then there is a better chance that you will be accepted by a German university. You need the following documents to apply to a German university or through Uni-Assist:

• high school transcript (translated and authenticated)

• a Certificate of Study from a university in your home country

• good German language abilities, normally demonstrated through exams like TestDaF, DSH, or telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule, which you can all take at Sprachenatelier Berlin.

Can I work in Berlin while I take a course at the Sprachenatlier Berlin?

There are course participants from the EU who quickly find a job in Berlin. For many people the situation is more complicated, mainly because it is difficult for people who are not from the EU to get a work permit. Unfortunately, Sprachenatelier Berlin cannot help somebody find a job.

Do I need a visa to enter Germany?

All information regarding visas can be found here. 

Can you help me find a place to stay in Berlin?

Sprachenatelier can help you look for an apartment or a room in a WG. However, we do not guaranty that we will find something that fits. Duration, rent and requirements need to be handled directly with the landlord. Sprachenatelier Berlin does not assume responsibility or liability for your rental matters.

Does Sprachenatelier Berlin organize class or group trips to Berlin?

Yes, we do. Here you can find more information about class trips and group trips to Berlin. 

What is the culture programme?

We organize many cultural events (exhibitions, readings, film festivals) for our students. Every week we organize Culture Wednesday (Kulturmittwoch) which is a good opportunity for our German course participants to experience culture and every-day life in Berlin. During the summer, Sprachenatelier organizes a big summer programme with different afternoon and evening activities (excursions, museum and theatre visits, bike tours, barbecues, etc.).